16 Jan 2012

The fifth Asian Financial Forum opened today and continues through tomorrow at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Some 2,000 finance, business and government leaders from around the world are taking part in the Asian Financial Forum

HKTDC Chairman Jack So said Asia, especially the Chinese mainland, is reshaping the world economic landscape

European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services Michel Barnier

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne

President of the Asian Development Bank Haruhiko Kuroda

Hong Kong SAR Government Chief Executive Donald Tsang

Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Professor KC Chan

President, Development Research Centre of the State Council Li Wei

16 January 2012 – Some 2,000 finance, business and government leaders from around the world are taking part in the Asian Financial Forum, which opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and continues through tomorrow.

The forum’s fifth edition is taking place under the theme “Asia: Driving Sustainable Growth,” focusing on opportunities in Asia, particularly the Chinese mainland. More than 70 prominent speakers are taking part in the forum, which is organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

The two-day financial summit opened this morning with addresses from Hong Kong SAR Government Chief Executive Donald Tsang and HKTDC Chairman Jack So.

Mr So said that this year’s theme was particularly timely, “because we all realise that Asia, especially China, is reshaping the world economic landscape. And Hong Kong is China’s international financial capital.” Mr So added that the AFF “serves as an annual reminder of the vital role played by Hong Kong in serving the region and the world.”

High-Profile LineupThis morning’s plenary session looked at the global economy and Asia’s role in contributing to sustainable growth. Keynote speakers were: Li Wei, President, Development Research Centre of the State Council, PRC; George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, United Kingdom; Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services; and Haruhiko Kuroda, President, Asian Development Bank.

Seven workshops are also scheduled tomorrow, including the “Rise of the RMB Zone – Trade, Investment and Asset Management in the Coming Decade." Other forum workshops spotlight China and the rest of Asia: partnering with the world, South Korea’s new investment environment, and opportunities in Russia and the CIS countries. In addition, Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate in Economics and Columbia University professor, will deliver the keynote luncheon address.

Looking for BusinessThis year’s AFF will once again present Deal Flow, a half-day, deal-making session jointly organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. Deal Flow features one-on-one meetings between companies with investment projects and potential collaborators.

About the HKTDCA statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 global offices, including 11 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com